On Sunday, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, directed all the deputy commissioners to ensure that the damaged or unsafe school buildings
due to the recent heavy rains should be immediately locked and kept out of use until the necessary repairs are completed. The directions were issued during a review meeting, chaired by the divisional commissioner, that was held to evaluate the damage caused by recent heavy rainfall across all districts of the Jammu division. The meeting also reviewed the progress of restoration works, relief measures and the response of district administrations in the affected areas. The chief agriculture officers have also been instructed to assess the crop damage farmers had suffered in the affected areas and then submit a report for extending due assistance, at the earliest, as per PTI report. Kumar, emphasizing the safety of the students, also instructed the officials to identify the vulnerable school buildings and ensure they are not in use until they are declared structurally safe. Further, the Managing Director of the Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL) has been directed to complete restoration works of damaged power infrastructure on a priority basis so that electricity supply in affected areas can be normalized at the earliest. In addition, after reviewing the pace of relief operations, he took stock of the ex-gratia disbursement to the affected families across all districts and urged the deputy commissioners to speed up the process so that no eligible beneficiary is left out.
27 Lost Life and Six Currently Missing Since July 19
According to the PTI report, at least 27 people have lost their lives and other six are missing in rain-related incidents in districts like Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and Ramban since July 19.
The Health Department has been asked to maintain enough stock of medicines at all healthcare facilities in vulnerable areas and to position adequate medical staff.
Highlighting the need to strengthen flood protection measures and public safety, the divisional commissioner has directed all deputy commissioners to arrange essential commodities in advance so that there is no disruption in supply on July 29 and 20, as per the weather forecast, the spokesman said.
He instructed the concerned departments to restore roads blocked by landslides, shooting stones or rain-related damage on a war footing. Immediate repair and desilting of drains and water channels have also been ordered to reduce the chances of waterlogging, in case the heavy rainfall continues.
Officials have further been directed to closely monitor water levels in rivers, streams and nallahs across the division and issue timely alerts to people in case of any eventuality.
Reassuring the public, the divisional commissioner said that the administration is prepared to handle any weather-emergency and appealed to the public to cooperate with the district administrations and follow the official advisories.
